If you’ve noticed Google Ads charges on bank statement labeled “Google Ads” or “Google Ads Services,” you might be wondering what it’s for, especially if you’re not familiar with Google’s advertising platform. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these charges, why they appear on your bank statement, and how to handle any issues related to Google Ads billing.
What Are Google Ads Charges?
Google Ads charges are fees that appear on your bank statement when you or your business runs advertising campaigns on Google’s platform. Google Ads is an online advertising service where businesses can promote their products and services on Google Search, YouTube, and other partner websites. If you see a charge, it’s typically because:
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- You have an active Google Ads account.
- Your ads have reached a billing threshold, or
- It’s the end of your billing cycle.
These charges might show up as “GOOGLE ADS” or “GOOGLE*ADS” on your bank or credit card statement.
How Google Ads Charges Work
Google Ads follows a unique billing structure. Unlike a monthly subscription, Google charges advertisers based on campaign performance and cost per click (CPC). Here’s a simplified view:
| Billing Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic Billing | Charges appear after reaching a billing threshold (e.g., $50, $200, etc.). |
| Monthly Billing | Charges appear at the end of each month based on the total advertising spend. |
| Manual Billing | Pre-payments for ad campaigns; charges appear as funds are used for ads. |
The most common billing option for small businesses is automatic billing, where charges occur after reaching a set spending threshold.
Why Does Google Ads Charge Vary?
Google Ads charges on bank statement can vary from month to month. Here’s why:
Daily Budget Changes: If you adjust your daily budget, your total monthly charges will reflect that.
Billing Threshold: As you build a payment history with Google, your billing threshold may increase, which means larger charges less frequently.
Ad Performance: If your ads perform well (more clicks and impressions), you may see higher charges as more users interact with your ads.
Let’s look at an example.
| Scenario | Charge on Bank Statement |
|---|---|
| Daily budget of $10 | Monthly charge can go up to $300 if ads run every day. |
| High-performance campaign | More clicks may lead to charges beyond the set budget. |
| Low-ad performance | Fewer clicks can result in lower charges than expected. |
Common Google Ads Charges on Bank Statements
The way Google Ads charges appear on your bank statement can depend on your payment method and account setup. Here are some common Google Ads entries you might see:
| Bank Statement Entry | Explanation |
|---|---|
| GOOGLE*ADS | Google Ads charges for an active ad campaign. |
| GOOGLE*SERVICES | Additional Google services billed with Google Ads. |
| GOOGLE*ADS-PREPAYMENT | Prepaid account charges, deducted from a balance. |
| GOOGLE*ADS THRESHOLD | Charge after reaching a billing threshold. |
Steps to Verify Google Ads Charges
If you’re unsure about a Google Ads charges on bank statement, follow these steps:
Check Your Google Ads Account:
- Log in to your Google Ads account.
- Go to “Billing” in the menu.
- Review your recent transactions and payment history.
Verify Email Receipts:
- Google sends email receipts for every billing cycle. Check your registered email for Google Ads invoices.
Match Bank Statements:
- Compare the transaction dates on your bank statement with those in your Google Ads billing account. The amounts should match.
Contact Support:
- If you still have concerns, contact Google Ads support for further clarification.
Disputing Google Ads Charges
If you believe a charge is incorrect, you can dispute it. Here’s how:
Review Your Campaigns:
- Ensure all active campaigns were intended.
- Pause any unnecessary campaigns to avoid future charges.
Contact Google Ads Support:
- Use Google’s support center to initiate a dispute or request an investigation.
Check for Unauthorized Access:
- Verify that only authorized users have access to your Google Ads account. Unauthorized access could lead to unexpected charges.
Preventing Unexpected Google Ads Charges
To prevent unexpected Google Ads charges, here are some practical tips:
Set Account Alerts: Enable email alerts to get notified about billing thresholds.
Budget Control: Regularly check and adjust your daily budget to match your monthly advertising goals.
Monitor Campaigns Regularly: Pause any campaigns that are no longer necessary to prevent accidental charges.
FAQs: Google Ads Charges on Bank Statement
Why do I see multiple Google Ads charges in one month?
Multiple charges can occur if you reach a billing threshold multiple times in a month. This is common if your ad spend increases.
Can I limit Google Ads charges on my account?
Yes, you can set a daily budget and pause or stop campaigns as needed to control spending.
How can I contact Google about a Google Ads charge?
Log in to your Google Ads account and visit the “Help” section to contact support for assistance.
Conclusion
Seeing Google Ads charges on bank statement can be confusing, especially if you’re new to digital advertising. However, understanding how Google Ads billing works, monitoring your campaigns, and setting clear budgets can help prevent unexpected charges. If a charge looks unfamiliar, you can always verify it through your Google Ads account or contact Google for support.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. For specific questions about Google Ads billing, please contact Google Ads support directly or consult with a financial professional.
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